A monster crystal

Press, 31 May 1977, Page 18

A monster crystal

Follow these instructions carefully and you can make a crystal which will grow and grow. It is fun watching it and, when it is big, you can dry it on paper and keep it. You need:— .[ litre (| pint) of water; borax or sugar; a teaspoon; a jug; a saucepan; a plate; and a glass jar with a screw-top lid.

First, dissolve a teaspoon of borax or sugar in a jug holding a | litre of water. When it is complely dissolved, add another spoonful of borax or sugar. Continue doing this until the borax (or sugar) will no longer dissolve. Remember, however, that each spoonful must be dissolved before the next one is added.

Now empty the mixture in your jug into a saucepan. Heat it on the stove until the last spoonful amalgamates with the rest. Put the liquid aside to cool. When it is cold pour a little of it on to a plate. Pour the rest into a glass jar and screw the lid on tightly. A crystal will form on the plate and you must remove it gently with a spoon and put it in the jar. Leave the lid off the jar and do not touch it any more. The crystal will grow inside the jar. When it is large, but still able to fit through the opening, you can remove it and wash it in cold water. Leave to dry on paper.